Reading, PA – Berks Economic Partnership (BEP), Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), and the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GRCCI) announced plans to collocate at the Gateway Building located at 201 Penn Street in downtown Reading, occupying over 10,000 sf, almost the entire fifth floor.

The move will bring the three primary private nonprofit business and economic development groups in Berks County together under one roof which will strengthen and streamline customer service and the delivery of resources for local businesses and prospects. 

Ellen Horan, President & CEO of the GRCCI, said, “This move makes a lot of sense.  We all work closely together and this partnership is a big step toward establishing a seamless network for our customers.”

Jon Scott, President & CEO of BEP, echoed Horan’s comments. “Having business attraction and retention services, financing, real estate and loan resources, and local business support programs in the same building is a huge positive for the community,” Scott said. 

Ed Swoyer, President & CEO of GBDF, agreed and said, “As the owner of the landmark Gateway Building, the GBDF is excited to welcome our primary partners in economic development to share space and leverage our respective resources.”  Swoyer added, “This reinforces our collective commitment to the Corridor and the City of Reading.”

The move is scheduled to occur in Spring 2010.